Long ago in Samoa, when the moon still spoke to the tides and the stars walked the night, there lived a young woman named Sina. She was known across the villages for her beauty, her laughter, and the kindness that seemed to follow her like a warm breeze. Her eyes were deep pools, reflecting both the sky and the sea, and her hair flowed as dark and smooth as a river at night.
One day, while Sina bathed in a cool freshwater pool, she felt something brush against her leg. Looking down, she saw an eel, its eyes bright with curiosity. But this was no ordinary eel. He spoke in a voice as soft as the wind through pandanus leaves. “Do not fear, Sina. I mean no harm. I have watched over this pool for many years and now I wish to be your friend.”
Sina and the Eel
At first Sina was startled, but the eel’s voice carried no malice. Over time she visited the pool often, and each time the eel would appear. He told her stories of the deep sea, of coral gardens and glowing fish, of ancient tides that remembered the beginning of the world. Sina found comfort in his company, for he seemed to know the thoughts she never spoke aloud.
Yet the eel grew older and weaker. One day, with sadness in his eyes, he said, “Sina, my life is ending. But I wish to give you a gift that will live on long after I am gone.” He told her that when he died, she must take his head and bury it in the earth. “Do not be afraid,” he said, “for from my head will grow a tree. Its fruit will give water to the thirsty and food to the hungry. And whenever you drink from it, you will see my face again.”
The Eel Dies
Sina wept, but she agreed. Soon after, the eel passed away. She buried his head in a sunny spot near her home, just as he had asked. Days later, a green shoot rose from the soil. It grew into a tall tree with broad leaves that danced in the wind. From its crown hung large round fruits. When one was husked, Sina saw three dark marks at the top, like the eyes and mouth of the eel.
She pressed the fruit to her lips and drank the sweet water inside. It was cool and refreshing, and she felt as if the eel’s spirit was still near, watching over her. This was the first coconut tree, born from the love between Sina and the eel.
From that time forward, the coconut became a gift to all the people of Samoa. It gave them food, drink, oil, shelter, and rope. And to this day, when a Samoan drinks from a coconut, they see the eel’s face and remember the story of Sina’s friend who gave his life so his gift would last forever.
Moral / Life Lesson:
The story of Sina and the Eel teaches that love can take many forms, and true love is shown through sacrifice and giving. Even in loss, a gift of the heart can nourish generations and live on in the world around us.
Knowledge Check
- What is the moral of the folktale “Sina and the Eel”?
The story teaches that love and sacrifice can create lasting blessings, showing how generosity can nourish future generations. - What cultural group does the tale “Sina and the Eel” come from?
This folktale originates from the Samoan tradition in Oceania. - Why did the eel give Sina the coconut tree?
In the tale, the eel gave Sina the coconut tree as a final gift before his death, so that she and her people would have food and drink forever. - How does the folktale “Sina and the Eel” explain the coconut?
The story offers a traditional explanation for how the first coconut tree came to Samoa and why the fruit has markings like an eel’s face. - Is “Sina and the Eel” considered a trickster tale, ghost story, or moral fable?
“Sina and the Eel” is an origin myth and moral fable, reflecting values of love, gratitude, and the sharing of blessings. - How is this folktale relevant to modern readers?
The message of “Sina and the Eel” remains relevant as it encourages selflessness, remembrance of loved ones, and gratitude for nature’s gifts.
Cultural Origin: This folktale comes from the oral tradition of the Samoan people of Oceania.
